3 Days to Kill

3 Days to Kill

Year: 2014

Runtime: 117 min

Language: English

Director: McG

ActionDramaThrillerCrime

A seasoned CIA operative, Ethan Renner, is diagnosed with a terminal illness and given only three days to live. He's given a chance to extend his life by completing one final, dangerous mission: to capture a notorious terrorist. While trying to balance his duty with a desperate longing to reconnect with his teenage daughter and estranged wife, Ethan must confront a past filled with secrets and face the consequences of his choices, all against the backdrop of a ticking clock.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – 3 Days to Kill (2014)

Explore the full timeline and setting of 3 Days to Kill (2014). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Modern Day

Set in the modern day, the film reflects contemporary issues of terrorism and personal struggles. The narrative interweaves the themes of family and survival against a backdrop of urgent, life-threatening circumstances.

Location

CIA Headquarters, Langley, Virginia, Paris

The movie prominently features CIA Headquarters located in Langley, Virginia, which is known as the hub for national intelligence operations. Another significant location is Paris, a vibrant city known for its rich history, culture, and as a backdrop for international espionage. These settings play crucial roles in the unfolding drama, illustrating the high-stakes world of espionage.

🏛️ Headquarters 🌍 City

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:21

Main Characters – 3 Days to Kill (2014)

Meet the key characters of 3 Days to Kill (2014), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Ethan Renner (Kevin Costner)

Ethan Renner is a seasoned CIA operative facing a terminal illness that forces him to confront his priorities. He is portrayed as a loving yet flawed father, trying to reconnect with his daughter while managing the complexities of his dangerous profession. His resolve to protect Zooey amidst chaos showcases his depth as a character, blending vulnerability with a hardened exterior.

👨‍✈️ Spy 👨‍👧 Fatherhood

Zooey Renner (Hailee Steinfeld)

Zooey is Ethan's teenage daughter, grappling with her father's dual life and her own challenges as a high school student. Her character represents innocence and the struggles of adolescence, particularly in her interactions with Ethan, illustrating the gap between their realities. Zooey's relationship with her father evolves throughout the film, adding emotional depth to the narrative.

👧 Daughter 🎈 Adolescence

Vivi DeLay (Amber Heard)

Vivi DeLay is a dedicated CIA agent tasked with bringing down dangerous targets. Her character adds tension to the narrative as she offers Ethan a potential lifeline through experimental treatment. Vivi's determination and complexity make her integral to Ethan's journey, balancing professional duty with personal connections.

🔍 Agent 💼 Duty

Tina (Connie Nielsen)

Tina, Ethan's ex-wife, is portrayed as a supportive yet concerned figure in his life. Her character embodies the challenges of co-parenting and the difficulties of reconnecting after past grievances. Tina's interactions with Ethan provide insights into their shared history and the longing for family unity.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Ex-Wife 🤝 Support

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:21

Major Themes – 3 Days to Kill (2014)

Explore the central themes of 3 Days to Kill (2014), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

❤️ Family

A central theme in '3 Days to Kill' is the importance of family and the lengths one goes to protect loved ones. Ethan's journey highlights the struggle to balance his responsibilities as a spy while fostering a meaningful relationship with his daughter. His fight against illness becomes a compelling metaphor for familial love and the desire to create lasting memories.

⚔️ Redemption

The theme of redemption runs throughout the film as Ethan seeks to make amends for his past while dealing with a terminal diagnosis. His commitment to protecting Zooey symbolizes his drive to redeem himself in the eyes of his family, illustrating that even in the face of adversity, one can strive for a chance at forgiveness and second chances.

⏳ Time

Time is depicted as both an enemy and a motivator in '3 Days to Kill.' As Ethan races against the clock to settle his affairs and safeguard his daughter's future, the urgency of time imbues the narrative with tension. This underscores the fleeting nature of life and the need to cherish every moment.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:21

Unlock the Full Story of 3 Days to Kill

Don't stop at just watching — explore 3 Days to Kill in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what 3 Days to Kill is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

3 Days to Kill Summary

Read a complete plot summary of 3 Days to Kill, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

3 Days to Kill Summary

3 Days to Kill Timeline

Track the full timeline of 3 Days to Kill with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

3 Days to Kill Timeline

More About 3 Days to Kill

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More About 3 Days to Kill

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